ROBERT FAILLA

Robert Failla, 63, passed away Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Steuben County Health Care Facility in Bath, following a lengthy illness, surrounded by family.

Mr. Failla was born on June 11, 1950 in Bronx, NY to Mario and Palma C. (Bonanno) Failla. He was a 1968 graduate of Springfield Gardens High School in Springfield Gardens, NY. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968-74, completing two tours of duty in the Vietnam War.

In addition to his 15 years of active and reserve military service, Bob worked for the U.S. Customs in World Trade Center 6 for the Canine Drug Enforcement unit as well as various special assignments with the DEA joint task force that included 6 months in Nogalas, AZ working the Mexican border. He finished his 25 year government career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Otisville, NY, retiring in 1999 as a result of 3 gunshot wounds.

Bob was an expert marksman, gunsmith and a licensed firearms instructor. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed coin collecting. He was a member of the NRA and past member of the Liberty Fire Department and the Sullivan County Rescue Dive Team.

Friends may call on Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. The funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home immediately following the visitation with Rev. Roger Gardner of the Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, officiating. Burial will follow in Bath National Cemetery with full military honors. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Memorial contributions in Bob's name may be made to Andover Rescue Squad, PO Box 726, Andover, NY 14806.